United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge
194 Bowdoin Auto Tour Road
Malta, Montana 59538
Phone: (406) 654-2863 FAX: (406) 654-2866
Employment Opportunity Summer 2014
Seeking 2 Range Technician Positions to be filled through the University of Wyoming to
complete vegetation inventory on Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
Length of Service: One Range Technician for each, 10 or 20 weeks, both Full-time (40
hours/week), seasonal (summer 2014) specific start and end dates are dependent upon the
school schedule of each selected individual, preference to start in May.
Lead Range Technician will be equivalent of GS5 ($15.15/hr) for 20 weeks. Field Range
Technician will be equivalent of GS4 ($13.55/hr) for 10 weeks.
Paid Position through the University of Wyoming.
Position Description:
These two positions will work on the vegetation inventory survey for uplands (primarily
short-mixed grass prairie) at Bowdoin NWR Complex. These positions will include both
field and office work. Main duties include collection, organization, and entry of all field
data while ensuring quality control and following set protocol (belt transects, Robel pole
readings). Office work includes entry of data and potential GIS work. The Lead Range
Technician will be responsible for data entry, preparing a progress report, and potential
analysis of data.
There is a possibility of turning the inventory into an undergraduate or graduate project.
Data is being collected to better assess management actions done on the prairie with
regards to wildlife habitat needs. Mapping of uplands in terms of characteristics specific
to grassland bird species is one product the Refuge is looking for. Inventory started in
2012 on Bowdoin NWR and is continuing onto District units (Waterfowl Production
Areas and Satellite Refuges). Other proposals for projects are up for consideration.
Majority of work hours will be spent as a two-person crew in field, some days may be
longer than the standard eight hours. Incumbents must be able to work in adverse
weather conditions, lift 50 lbs, walk over uneven terrain, carry backpacks with supplies
for long distances, be able to read maps (road and aerial), and have GPS/GIS skills.
Skills in ability to identify vegetation with use of guides/keys are a must. Incumbents
should be skilled with computers and be familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel.
Experience with Access preferred but not required. The incumbents must be able to work
both independently as well as with others. Previous field experience in vegetation
surveys, especially utilizing the belt transect method are not required, but encouraged. A
valid driver’s license is required.
Refuge Information:
Bowdoin NWR is located in the Prairie Pothole Region of the north-central part of Montana,
approximately 7 miles northeast of the town of Malta. The Refuge was established in 1936 to
preserve and enhance resting, feeding and breeding habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
The habitat is a mix of short-mixed grass prairie, shrubs, and scattered wetlands totaling 15,551
acres. The entire Complex encompasses 84,724 acres between 5 Refuges (including Bowdoin)
and 9 Waterfowl Production Areas. The Refuge is home to a variety of avian species including
Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintail, Marbled Godwits, American Avocets, American White
Pelicans, Franklin’s Gulls, Plains Sharp-tailed Grouse, and a host of others. For more
information on the Refuge please visit: www.fws.gov/bowdoin/. For information about Malta,
MT visit: http://maltachamber.com/
Application:
Applicants should submit their application via email in a single PDF document. Please
include in this order: (1) a cover letter stating the applicant’s interest and ability for the
job, (2) a resume that includes a minimum of 3 references, and (3) transcripts (copies are
acceptable). Deadline for application is February 20, 2014.
Please send applications in an emailed PDF to Dr. Jeff Beck: jlbeck@uwyo.edu
Dr. Jeff Beck
Dept 3354
1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071
For more information on field work and Bowdoin, please contact:
Jessica Larson
Wildlife Biologist
jessica_larson@fws.gov
406.654.2863 x221 (office)
406.654.4354 (cell)